Accessible audiobooks and ebooks facilitate learning how to read for students with dyslexia or ADHD – Buchknacker [book-cracker]

Abstract

The article introduces several international studies featuring how accessible media, in this case audio-media, audio-books and ebooks may facilitate learning to read as well as learning content in the case of print-disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD. Furthermore, it reveals how due to the gained insights, the digital platform Buchknacker (i.e. book-cracker) was developed by the Swiss SBS (Bibliothek für Blinde, Seh- und Lesebehinderte, Library for the Blind, Partially Sighted and Reading Disabled Persons) which is now being continued in Austria, as well. The non-profit project offers audio-books and ebooks, mainly for children and young people (partly also for adults) who read the text along while listening and acquire comprehension skills and enhance their vocabulary, as well as interest in reading and further education.